The plastic bags containing used laundry were left on the floor which is against hospital guidelines which state that metal crates should be used.

A source who supplied the photographs has claimed that bags containing used laundry had been left outside in snow and rain for “days on end” without being dealt with.

The source claimed that a shortage of cages led to the laundry being left on the floor.

“Staff think what is happening is a total disgrace,” the source. “HRI lost its laundry a few years ago and an outside firm took over. They never bring enough cages for dirty laundry so linen bags piling up on the floor has become a common occurrence. It is a disgrace but no-one seems to see it.”